176: The two elders of the Chen family

The two of them were currently under the control of Xun Xiuyuan's Soul Control Technique, showing extreme deference.

They respectfully said to Xun Xiuyuan, "Master, we have been lurking in the Lin Residence for many years and accidentally learned that Elder Lin Zhiyi met with people from Ghost Valley, plotting something. It is likely that he is colluding with Ghost Valley."

At this moment, the two of them certainly wouldn't lie. Xun Xiuyuan frowned. If an Elder of Defying Heaven Pavilion had ties with Ghost Valley, then their journey would be fraught with difficulties.

Xun Xiuyuan did not kill the two Quasi-God Realm cultivators, so as to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.

The two of them left the tavern and went directly to the Chen Residence.

The Chen Family was one of the top families in Defying Heaven City.

Both of the Chen Family's old ancestors, a pair of brothers, were Elders of Defying Heaven Pavilion, and they were the only family with two Elders. It was due to this foundation that the Chen Family had always maintained a neutral policy, but they held unparalleled control over the overall situation of the entire Defying Heaven Pavilion.

After all, whichever side their two brothers stood on, that side's votes would prevail.

Just as Xun Xiuyuan was about to step forward and knock on the door, Wei Tieshan rubbed his forehead and said, "Young Master, it's not like that."

Then, Wei Tieshan used his divine power to form a visiting card and handed it to the stone lion at the entrance.

The stone lion instantly soared into the air and entered the Chen Residence.

Xun Xiuyuan was speechless: "Is this another rule?"

Wei Tieshan said, "This Chen Family was probably also a great and ancient family among humans in the past. The form of this stone lion indicates that it is a messenger."

Xun Xiuyuan grumbled, "I guess not many people know about this rule, right?"

Wei Tieshan said, "Families with a long history all know it. This Chen Family probably also has the intention of testing. To still do this in the Chaotic Realm shows that they still yearn for their past glory."

Soon after the stone lion entered the Chen Residence, the main gate opened.

An old man stood at the entrance and bowed, saying, "Two distinguished guests from the Heavenly Palace, please follow me."

The visiting card clearly described their identities. Since the card was composed of Wei Tieshan's divine power, anyone with discerning eyes would naturally understand its significance.

They continued until they entered an area that resembled a garden, and in the pavilion in the middle of the garden sat two more old men.

If nothing unexpected happened, they should be the two old ancestors of the Chen Family.

Xun Xiuyuan really couldn't get used to this kind of formality. For a first meeting, they chose a pavilion.

Actually, this was an unwritten rule of some ancient human families: welcoming guests in a pavilion, only discussing matters of leisure.

It's just that not many people do this anymore, and even Wei Tieshan was a bit bewildered, wondering if they were really that particular.

He then explained it to Xun Xiuyuan.

Inside the pavilion, the four sat facing each other.

The moment they saw Wei Tieshan, Chen Sheng and Chen Li exchanged glances, a look of confusion in their eyes.

Xun Xiuyuan stated his purpose: "Our Heavenly Palace wishes to form an alliance with Defying Heaven Pavilion to jointly resist Ghost Valley."

He then also mentioned the matter of the Ghost Clan arranging for a Heavenly God Realm envoy to go to Ghost Valley.

The brothers Chen Sheng and Chen Li exchanged glances again and said, "Two distinguished guests, shall we go to the main hall to discuss matters?"

Xun Xiuyuan really wanted to curse. Are these two old men sick? They didn't say anything and then changed places to talk again.

But circumstances were not in their control, so the two could only follow the Chen brothers to the Chen Residence's main discussion hall.

After the four were seated again, Chen Sheng's sudden question stunned Xun Xiuyuan.

"General Wei is a senior expert from the War God Hall, so how did he become the Sixth Protector of the Heavenly Palace? Wasn't he the Sixth Divine General of the War God Hall?"

Wei Tieshan was also completely bewildered that the Chen Family brothers recognized him.

However, he truly had no impression of the Chen brothers. Heavenly God Realm cultivators have extraordinary memories; once they've met someone, they would never forget.

Chen Sheng smiled and said, "We haven't met. But I've seen portraits of high-ranking human figures, and General Wei's portrait was among them."

To claim recognition based solely on a portrait, this statement was hard to believe.

Wei Tieshan also didn't know what to say. Finally, Xun Xiuyuan said, "Seniors, what do you think of the matter that this junior has brought up?"

Chen Sheng didn't rush to answer, but instead asked, "I've never even heard of the Heavenly Palace. Even with General Wei accompanying you, please show some sincerity."

Xun Xiuyuan knew what the other party meant. After thinking for a moment, he said, "The Heavenly Palace does indeed exist, but it was only recently established."

Chen Sheng pressed on, "Then before the Heavenly Palace was established? Where did you belong? The War God Hall?"

Xun Xiuyuan sent a voice transmission to Wei Tieshan, "Can I tell them? I feel like these two old men are really odd."

Wei Tieshan replied to Xun Xiuyuan indifferently, "The Cage Domain is thousands of years old, so just tell them. However, these two old men are very strong, extremely strong."

Xun Xiuyuan was dumbfounded: "Stronger than you?"

Wei Tieshan was the most formidable expert Xun Xiuyuan had ever encountered. Even a Heavenly God Realm peak like Shi Potian dared not disrespect Wei Tieshan.

Wei Tieshan continued to transmit his voice, "I don't know, it just feels very strange. The kind where you can't fathom their depth."

Finally, Xun Xiuyuan said helplessly, "The current Heavenly Palace is composed of the Six Regions: Beast Domain, Orchid Domain, Cage Domain..."

Xun Xiuyuan directly stated the origin of the Heavenly Palace, because since the other party had recognized Wei Tieshan, there was no point in hiding it anymore. Moreover, talking about the Six Protectors would just make them a laughingstock.

The Chen Sheng brothers exchanged glances again.

Chen Sheng spoke, "Young Friend Xun, you are from the Cage Domain?"

Xun Xiuyuan could only reply, "Yes, I am the current lord of the Cage Domain. The Heavenly Palace was also founded by me, and General Wei is only here to temporarily assist."

Wei Tieshan interrupted Xun Xiuyuan, saying, "Young Master, don't misunderstand, I'm not here temporarily, I will always be here."

Chen Sheng then smiled and said, "Since Young Friend Xun is the lord of the Cage Domain, then the matter you just mentioned is not a problem. We will fully cooperate."

Young Friend Xun was a bit bewildered, not expecting such a big turn of events.

He asked, puzzled, "Why?"

Chen Sheng did not explain, "There is no 'why'. Our Chen Family will firmly become an ally of the Heavenly Palace. However, among the direct personnel of the Chen Family, only the two of us are involved; the rest are forces attached to my brothers and me."

Although Young Friend Xun was puzzled, since the other party was unwilling to explain, he did not ask further.

He then brought up the matter of Shi Potian.

After listening, Chen Sheng said, "Shi Potian's Flowing Stone Domain is adjacent to Ghost Valley. They should be aware of the movements in Ghost Valley. Especially such a significant matter as a True God Realm envoy."

Upon hearing Chen Sheng's words, Xun Xiuyuan also suddenly realized.

After pondering for a moment, he brought up the matter of Elder Lin Zhiyi again.

Chen Sheng said, "What kind of intelligence is this of yours? All of Lin Zhiyi's children were killed by people from Ghost Valley. If you want to say who in Defying Heaven Pavilion would least likely collude with Ghost Valley, then it would definitely be Lin Zhiyi."

Xun Xiuyuan was also stunned. How could this be?

Could it be that he had been set up?

Chen Li, who had been silent beside them, now spoke, "Young Friend Xun, you can completely trust our words. With the strength of us two brothers, we do not fear even if the other seven Elders join forces. There is no need for us to deceive you."

Simple words, powerful confidence.